MPs informed that just 2 out of 11 Rooivalk attack helicopters in SA are functional
Introduction
South Africa’s Rooivalk attack helicopters are in a state of disrepair, with only two of the 11 helicopters currently operational, according to a report by the country’s parliamentary defence committee. The report highlights the lack of maintenance and funding as the main reasons for the helicopters‘ poor condition. The Rooivalk helicopters were designed and built in South Africa and are used by the country’s military for combat and reconnaissance missions.
The Rooivalk Attack Helicopter
The Rooivalk attack helicopter is a formidable weapon, designed to operate in harsh environments and provide close air support to ground troops. It is equipped with a 20mm cannon, air-to-air missiles, and air-to-ground missiles, making it a versatile weapon system. The helicopter is also equipped with advanced avionics and sensors, allowing it to operate in low-light conditions and adverse weather.
The Rooivalk was designed and built by Denel Aviation, a South African aerospace company, in the 1990s. The helicopter was designed to meet the specific needs of the South African military and was intended to replace the aging fleet of Alouette III and Puma helicopters. The Rooivalk was first deployed in 2011 and has since been used in various combat and reconnaissance missions.
The State of the Rooivalk Helicopters
The parliamentary defence committee’s report highlights the poor state of the Rooivalk helicopters, with only two of the 11 helicopters currently operational. The report cites a lack of maintenance and funding as the main reasons for the helicopters‘ poor condition. The report also notes that the Rooivalk helicopters are not being used to their full potential due to the lack of operational helicopters.
The report recommends that the South African government increase funding for the maintenance and repair of the Rooivalk helicopters. It also recommends that the government consider purchasing additional helicopters to replace the aging fleet of Alouette III and Puma helicopters. The report notes that the Rooivalk helicopters are a critical component of the South African military’s arsenal and that their poor condition is a cause for concern.
Conclusion
The state of South Africa’s Rooivalk attack helicopters is a cause for concern, with only two of the 11 helicopters currently operational. The lack of maintenance and funding is the main reason for the helicopters‘ poor condition. The Rooivalk helicopters are a critical component of the South African military’s arsenal and are used for combat and reconnaissance missions. The parliamentary defence committee’s report recommends that the South African government increase funding for the maintenance and repair of the Rooivalk helicopters and consider purchasing additional helicopters to replace the aging fleet of Alouette III and Puma helicopters
Original article Teaser
Only 2 of SA’s 11 Rooivalk attack helicopters ‘operable’ – MPs told
Just two of the 11 Rooivalk attack helicopters in service ‘are currently operable’, MPs have been told. Kobus Marais, a DA member of Parliament’s joint standing committee on defence, said: ‘The majority of these aircraft are at Denel and cannot be operated. We cannot protect South Africa if we cannot have those assets operating in the air, in the sea and on land.’ News24 reports that Marais also told the committee that only six of the Air Force’s 36 Oryx helicopters in service with the SANDF were serviceable and operational. Last year, he said, 17 Oryx helicopters were operational. The committee was also told by SANDF chief of staff, General Michael Mantswana that Denel, the state-owned arms manufacturer whose primary
Details to Only 2 of SA’s 11 Rooivalk attack helicopters ‘operable’ – MPs told
